Joseph Leonard James, affectionately known as "Lennie," was born to the late Willie and Leona Lambert James on October 1, 1936 in Jacksonville, Florida. He was educated in the Duval County Public Schools, where he attended New Stanton Senior High School. Furthering his education, he earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree at Jacksonville Theological Seminary. Mr. James was also the recipient of an honorary Doctorate degree.
Early in his life, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and for many years was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Institutional Church, then under the pastorate of Reverend W.E. Young, Pastor Emeritus, currently Reverend Michael Edwards is Pastor. At the time of his demise, he was serving as Founding Pastor of New Revelation Ministries, where he was a dedicated servant for 34 years.
As a young man, many of his early years were spent as a resident ofNew York. On October 1, 1991, he was united in Holy Matrimony to the former Miss Shirley Martin. This union was blessed with a blended family of six children.
Reverend James was also employed as a Longshoreman by the International Longshoremen's Association, Local #1408. He retired in 2021, after rendering over sixty years of dedicated service. He was affiliated with several civic, professional and community organizations, including The Ministerial Alliance.
On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, Reverend Dr. Joseph Leonard "Lennie" James peacefully passed away in Jacksonville, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mmes. Sheila Geraldine Miller, Juanita Collier Wynn, and Mildred Moore Fain; brothers, Justice Collier and Handsome Moore; and grandson, Phillip Alford. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 33 years, Mrs. Shirley Martin James; children, Ms. Phyllis Parker Stokes; Elgin Davis, Ms.Gailon James, Mrs. Angela Campbell (Rev. Dr. Eric, Sr.), Ms.Stacy James Lacroix, Esq.,Landon Johnson and Mr.Joel Nebo Bell; grandchildren, Mrs. La'Porsha R. Flagler (Rev. Daiquan A., Sr.), Ms. Shena Campbell, Ahmaad Flournoy, Ms. Amarri Slaw (Rahkeem), Jacory Johnson, Ian Johnson, Elijah Johnson, Uriel Johnson, Eric Campbell, Jr., Mrs. Angelica Davis Freeman (Coby), and Mrs. Yasmeen Davis Tarret (Carlos); great-grandchildren, Daiquan, Jr., Aubrey, Legend,Ailyn, Levi, King' David, Dante', and Josiah; siblings, Mrs. Agnes James Maybin, Henry Arnold James; special friend, James Cotton (Sylvia) a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.